Method of providing constraints in a golf scramble game

ABSTRACT

A method for providing constraints in a scramble game including a first team member starting a launching motion and launching a first projectile game object; starting a temporal launch window; at least a second team member starting a launching motion and launching a second projectile game object before the end of the launch window; and ending the launch window. Additionally, a method for providing constraints in a scramble game comprising determining a hitting point based on the initial position of at least a first ball on a course; positioning at least a second ball based on the location of the hitting point; and a team of at least two members hitting the first ball and second ball.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/169,184, filed 14 Apr. 2009, titled “Method of Providing Constraints in a Golf Scramble Game”, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the game of golf, and more specifically to a new and useful scramble format for the game of golf.

BACKGROUND

A golf scramble is a well-known form of a golf game. In a scramble, members of a golf team take turns hitting a ball and the best shot is used for the next shot. This form of golf is frequently used for tournaments and other golfing events. However, a golf scramble is a slow game since each member of a team has to take a turn hitting the ball. Furthermore, only one team plays on a hole at a time. This limits the number of players that can participate in the tournament/game, and thus this is a financial limitation for the tournament or golf course. A golf team also records their own score, and the prevalence cheating or breaking rules is rampant and difficult to prevent. Thus, there is a need in the golf game field to create a new and useful scramble format for the game of golf. This invention provides such new and useful method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an event charts of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an event chart of a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a third preferred embodiment the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a schematic representations of events associated with a swinging motion and launching a golf ball; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a launch window device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

The methods of the preferred embodiments include ways to alter the temporal and/or spatial rules in a golf scramble game. The first preferred embodiment provides temporal constraints—a second team member must launch their ball within a launch window started by the first team member. The second preferred embodiment provides spatial constraints—the second ball must be placed within a particular position based on the hitting ball. The two methods are preferably used together, but may alternatively be used separately. Use of the methods of the preferred embodiment reduces the time for a team to complete golf scramble tournament play, which may lead to an increase in the number of participants (and subsequently revenue) during a golf competition or during a particular time period. The use of the methods may additionally and/or alternatively increase the ability of other teams to identify and regulate cheating, which would—at least theoretically—reduce the prevalence of cheating. Finally, the use of the methods may additionally and/or alternatively require more team strategy during game play, which may lead to increase in the enjoyment of the golf game. The method is preferably played on a traditional golf course with standard golf equipment, but may be played on any suitable location (including a virtual location) and with any suitable equipment. The scoring is preferably substantially similar to normal golf scoring, but limitations on scores or other scoring rules may alternatively be used. The end goal of the golf game is for a team to hit a ball from a tee box into a golf hole located on a green with the fewest number of hits. In other words, with a standard golf scoring system, the goal is to receive the lowest score. While the method as described is preferably applied to golf, the method may be alternatively used with other sports or games that rely upon the launching of a projectile game object such as miniature golf, disc golf, bocce, curling, and any suitable game.

1. Method for Providing Temporal Constraints in a Golf Scramble Game

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the method for providing temporal (or “time”) constraints in a golf scramble game of the first preferred embodiment includes a first team member starting a launching motion and launching a first ball S110; starting a launch window S120; a second team member starting a launching motion and launching a second ball before the end of the launch window S130; and ending the launch window S140. The method preferably functions to create a timing constraint for a group launching of balls during a game or sport. The method, in one embodiment, functions to enforce substantially simultaneous hitting of balls, but may alternatively be used to enforce closely timed hitting of balls, consecutive hitting of balls, and/or any suitable timing of the hitting of balls. The team members preferably hit from points spaced far enough that preserve safety, but not too far that would provide a distance advantage to any of the shots. The team members may alternatively hit from any suitable positions, such as the same location, staggered locations, scattered locations, vertical locations such as may be provided by a platform on top of a golf cart, and/or any suitable locations. The members of a team preferably do not have time for significant counseling and/or consideration of hitting decisions during the launch window. Though auditory signals, visual signals, or any suitable sort of communication may be allowed or performed. The method is preferably applied to golf, but may alternatively be applied to any suitable sport that includes the launching of a projectile game object (e.g., disc or “Frisbee” golf), and any rule or variation associated with a ball or golf related events can preferably be adapted to other sports or games.

Step S110, which includes a first team member starting a launching motion and launching a first ball, functions to launch one of a plurality of balls of the team. The launching motion preferably is a swinging motion of a golf club, but the launching motion may alternatively be the throwing motion of a disc or any suitable motion of an other game or sport. The swinging motion and launching (or hitting) of the first ball preferably includes the golfing motion of the backswing, the striking of the golf ball, and the follow-through as shown in FIG. 4. The swinging motion may alternatively describe any suitable shot or launching motion used in any suitable game or sport. The launching of ball may alternatively be the launching of any suitable projectile game object such as by hitting, releasing, knocking or any suitable catalyst to initiate motion of the game object. Subsequent events of launching a game object include the game object preferably traveling a distance with the goal of traveling towards a goal, and the game object then preferably comes to a stop as shown in FIG. 5. In golf, events associated with launching a ball preferably include hitting the ball with a golf club; the ball traveling some distance through the air or along the ground; and the ball preferably coming to rest. The ball may additionally bounce or fall into a cup as other exemplary steps related to launching a ball. In some embodiments, the first team member must start a hitting motion and/or launch the first ball before a launch window ends. For example, when a launch window is started by an audible or visual signal. In such an embodiment, the launch window is preferably the same launch window for the second player, but may alternatively be a launch window specific for the first team member.

Step S120, which includes starting a launch window, functions to start the temporal constraint for when a second team member may launch a second projectile game object. The launch window is preferably a time period when hitting the second ball by the second team members is allowed. For a team with a plurality of members, the launch window may be a time window when the hitting of the balls is allowed for all the team members. In a first embodiment, the launch window is preferably determined by events. The launch window is preferably started during the back swing of the first player, but the launch window may alternatively be started when the ball is hit, during the follow-through, or during any suitable event such as the events related to the launching of the ball (e.g., a first bounce of the ball after traveling, the ball coming to rest etc.). The launch window may alternatively start when a team member (such as a team captain) calls out a verbal signal like, “one, two, ready, swing”. In a second embodiment, the launch window is time based, and the launch window preferably starts when a timer is started (or, alternatively, when a microphone identifies the “smack” of a golf club against a ball). The launch window is preferably a short time period with the starting time prior to when the first team member hits the first ball. The launch window starting prior to the hitting of the first ball can be used to encourage or enforce the first and second player to hit at substantially similar or simultaneous times. The launch window may alternatively start after the first team member hits the first ball to encourage or enforce the players to hit in a staggered timing.

Step S130, which includes a second team member starting a hitting motion and launching a second ball before the end of the launch window, functions to complete a coordinated team task within a temporal constraint. The second team member preferably launches the second ball at substantially the same time as the first team member launches the first ball, but depending on the determination of the starting and stopping of the launch window, the second team member may alternatively hit afterwards or at any suitable time.

Step S140, which includes ending the launch window, functions to end the temporal constraint for when a second team member may hit the second ball. In a first embodiment, the launch window is preferably determined by events such as the hitting of the first ball or the ball stopping. The launch window preferably ends based on an event following the starting event as shown in FIG. 1. For example, if the beginning of the swinging motion (e.g., the back swing) starts the launch window, then the end of the swinging motion (e.g., the follow-through) preferably ends the launch window. In a second embodiment, the timing window is time based and preferably ends after a set amount of time has passed as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the launch window may have a length of 3 seconds after starting. The launch window is preferably a small time period, with the launch window ending substantially soon after the first team member hits the first ball. Preferably some visual or auditory signal is used to indicate that the launch window is over, but the launch window may alternatively be regulated by a person, such as a team member, an opponent, a judge, and/or any suitable person. A launch window apparatus may alternatively be used to enforce the launch window as described further below. There is, of course, some expected error in the precision of the launch window (especially when golfing-n-drinking) and so the launch window is preferably viewed as a guideline, and penalties or fouls are used for obvious violations of the guideline or enforced based on the discretion of the person regulating the launch window.

As an alternative or addition to the preferred method, a team with a plurality of team members may use multiple launch windows. The plurality of launch windows may be determined by different events or have varying timing. In the following examples, a first launch window, a second launch window, and a third launch window preferably govern when a second team member, a third team member, and fourth team member may hit, respectively. In a first example, a first launch window may start when a first team member hits a first ball and stop when the first ball stops; a second launch window may start when the second team member hits a second ball and stop when the second ball stops; a third launch window may start when the third team member hits the third ball and stop when the third ball stops. In an alternative example, the first, second, and third launch window may all start during the back swing of a first team member, and end 5 second, 10 seconds, and 15 seconds later respectively. All players may alternatively have to hit within a single launch window such that the order of balls hit by the team members does not matter. Any suitable number and determination of launch windows may alternatively be used.

As shown in FIG. 6, additionally the method may include starting a launch window, monitoring the launching of at least a second ball, and determining if the first and at least second balls were hit within the launch window using a launch window device S150. The device preferably starts the launch window by monitoring the launching of the first ball. In one embodiment the launch window device is preferably a microphone or audio sensor that detects the sound of the first ball and at least second ball being hit. The device then preferably calculates the time between the two signals and determines if the time is within the allotted launch window. The device may alternatively be a video device that monitors the swinging motion and/or launching of the ball of the first and second player. The device may alternatively be a motion sensor within a golf club, a golf ball, or any suitable game component to sense events associated with launching a ball. The device is preferably any suitable computing device such as a laptop or mobile device.

2. Method for Providing Spatial Constraints in a Golf Scramble Game

As shown in FIG. 3, the method for providing spatial (or “location”) constraints in a golf scramble game of the second preferred embodiment includes determining a hitting point S210 and positioning a second ball based on the hitting point S220. The method preferably functions to allow members of a team to launch multiple balls or projectile game objects towards a target in a coordinated fashion and, more preferably, functions to enable multiple balls to be launched toward a target at the same time. The method for providing location constraints of the second preferred embodiment is preferably combined with the method for providing time constraints of the first preferred embodiment. The spatial rules may be adapted to any suitable safety or game specific requirements as may be required by differing games and game equipment.

Step S210, which includes determining a hitting point, functions to find the reference point for the positioning of the second ball. The hitting point is preferably an individual point on a playing field such as on a golf course (in the tee box, the fairway, a hazard, or green). The hitting point is at times during play preferably based on the location of a first ball that is one of a plurality of balls that were launched by members of a team. When the hitting point is based on the location of a first ball the first ball is preferably not moved from the hitting point. The first ball is preferably selected by being the ball closest to the hole after a previous launching of the balls. The hitting point may alternatively be the best location of a plurality of balls, the worst location, an average of the distances hit, a midpoint of the worst and best balls, or any suitable point determined by the location of the plurality of balls. In the tee box, the hitting point is preferably an area or line defined within area defined by the tee box. The hitting point may alternatively be the center location of the tee box. The hitting point may alternatively be an area, such as one defined by the location of three or more balls. A first ball is preferably launched from the hitting point after the hitting point is determined. Alternatively, the first ball may additionally be positioned in a fashion similar to the positioning of the second ball in Step S220 or in any suitable alternative.

Step S220, which includes positioning a second ball based on the hitting point, functions to place a second ball at a location determined by the location of the hitting point. The positioning of the second ball preferably includes measuring some distance away from the ball in a specified direction. More preferably a person preferably takes a specified number of strides away from the hitting point in a direction perpendicular to the direction towards the target (e.g., the hole). For example, a person may take four steps to the right or left of a hitting point such that the distance from the position of the second ball to the target is substantially equal to the distance from the hitting point to the target. The positioning is preferably linear with equal spacing between consecutive balls. The distance and direction may additionally change based on conditions in the rules. The tee box, the fairway, and the green may have varying spacing rules. A measuring guide may alternatively determine the positioning. The measuring guide is preferably a standard object with a set distance such as a rope. The measuring guide may alternatively be a golf club or any suitable object.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may include positioning a plurality of balls based on the hitting point. The positioning of the plurality of balls is preferably direct such that each position is determined directly off of the hitting point. However, the positioning of the plurality of balls may alternatively be indirect such that a ball may be positioned based off of another object that directly relates to the hitting point. For example, a second ball may be directly positioned based on the hitting point, and a third ball may be directly positioned based on the position of the second ball. In this example the third ball is positioned indirectly to the hitting point.

3. Example Rules for a Golf Scramble Game

In an example of a preferred game that combines the method for providing time constraints of the first preferred embodiment and the method for providing location constraints of the second preferred embodiment, a golf scramble game preferably includes at least two teams that play a hole at the same time as a group, alternating turns between hits in a manner similar to traditional golf. Teams are preferably made up of multiple team members. The number of team members preferably determines the number of team members that shoot during the same launch window. The number of team members also preferably determines the number of teams that play during a particular round/hole. Each member of a two-person team or a three-person team preferably swings during the launch window on every shot from the tee box, the fairway, and putting green. A group of two-person and/or three-person teams will preferably play three teams in a group. A four-person team preferably shoots from the tee box and putting green in pairs, with two team members shooting during a launch window. On all shots shot from the fairway, all four players preferably swing during the launch window. A five-person team preferably shoots from the tee box and putting green with a set of two team members hitting during one launch window and a set of three team members hitting during a second launch window. A six-person team preferably shoots from the tee box and putting green in two sets of three team members hitting during a launch window. A group of four-person, five-person, or six-person teams preferably plays with two teams in a group. Teams are preferably formed by the members but may also be formed based on characteristics of the players such as pairing right-handed players with left handed players or based on any suitable characteristic.

A member of each team preferably records the score for a different team in the group. This score tracking preferably prevents cheating. A member of each team may additionally be in charge of determining the positioning of positioned balls (e.g., the distance from the hitting point).

As shown in FIG. 3, all the team members from a team (or the appropriate number of team members as described above) preferably play each hole by: first lining up to prepare to shoot from the tee box. The team members preferably position the balls and themselves a specified distance apart. A team member preferably counts down, and the all the team members preferably swing and launch the ball at substantially the same time. Next, the team members preferably select one of the launched balls as the best shot, and the location of this ball is used as the hitting point for positioning the other balls. A team member preferably positions the other balls a specified distance away from the hitting point (the best shot ball). The team members of the other team(s) preferably monitor the positioning of the other balls to insure the positioning rules are followed. The team members line up. A team member preferably counts down, and the all the team members preferably swing and launch the ball at substantially the same time. This process is repeated for shots in the fairway and the green. The multiple teams preferably take turns according to who is furthest from the hole.

The number of players on a team preferably determines the distance of separation between positioned balls. In the tee box, two-person teams preferably hit from opposite sides of a tee box, within three steps from tee markers that mark the edge of the box. In the tee box, three or more person teams preferably have two team members hit from opposite sides of a tee box within three steps from a tee marker, and the remaining players position themselves 4-6 steps away from other team members. In the fairway, each team member preferably hits from a distance of 4-6 steps from the left or right of the hitting point and 4-6 steps away from their closest teammate. In the putting green, team members preferably position and hit their balls 1-2 steps to the right or left of the hitting point and other team members. A positioned ball is preferably not placed closer to the hole. The number of steps is preferably a general guideline and functions as a distance to insure safety of the team members. Exceeding the number of steps for the purpose of getting a better angle/shot into the green is preferably not permitted. The distance may alternatively be replaced by any suitable metric for positioning the balls.

Additional rules may apply to special situations such as in sand traps, water hazards, or when an obstruction blocks a shot. If a team chooses to play a shot from a sand trap, a maximum of two team members preferably hits the shot standing 4-6 steps apart. However, if there is not enough room for two team members to safely hit together, then only one team member preferably hits the shot. If a team chooses to play a shot from a water hazard, a maximum of one team member is preferably allowed to hit the shot. This rule preferably makes sand traps and water hazards even more of a hazard. The ball is preferably left where it lies. Any team member may hit the shot. If a ball used for determining the hitting point is behind a tree or other obstruction that may cause the ball to ricochet and hit another team member, for the sake of safety, that ball is preferably not allowed to be hit, and that team member preferably surrenders the opportunity to play the shot. In the event that a positioned ball has been placed within the 4-6 step distance and is behind a tree or other obstruction that could cause the ball to ricochet and hit another player, for the sake of safety, that ball or balls are preferably not hit and the player or players preferably surrenders the opportunity to play the shot.

In the event that two balls hit each other while in flight or while rolling, the position of the balls after they have come to rest will be deemed final. This preferably includes any ball that goes into the hole after contact with any other ball counts as a shot holed. Similarly, a ball that is going into the hole and is knocked off its course by another ball and does not go into the hole will preferably be considered “rub of the green” and is not counted.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claims. 

1. A method for providing constraints in a scramble game comprising: a first team member starting a launching motion and launching a first projectile game object; starting a temporal launch window; at least a second team member starting a launching motion and launching a second projectile game object before the end of the launch window; and ending the launch window.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the game is a golf game and the launching motion and launching of the first projectile game object is a swinging motion of a first golf club and launching a first ball, and the launching motion and launching of the second projectile game object is a swinging motion of a second golf club and launching a second ball.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the launch window is started during the swinging motion of the first team member.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein ending the launch window occurs at a fixed time from starting the launch window.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein ending the launch window occurs at a time of an event of launching the first ball
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the event is the first ball coming to a stop at the end of launching the first ball.
 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising monitoring with a device the launching of the first ball to initiate the starting of the launch window; monitoring with the device the launching of the second ball; and determining if the balls were hit within the launch window with the device.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the device is a microphone processing the time difference between sounds of hitting the first and second ball.
 9. The method of claim 2, further comprising starting a second launch window dependent on the swinging motion and launching of the second ball by the second team member; and ending the second launch window
 10. The method of claim 2, further comprising prior to the launching of the first ball: determining a hitting point based on the initial position of at least the first ball on a course; and positioning the second ball based on the location of the hitting point.
 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the first ball position on the course is substantially identical to the determined hitting point.
 12. A method for providing constraints in a scramble game comprising: determining a hitting point based on the initial position of at least a first ball on a course; positioning at least a second ball based on the location of the hitting point; and a team of at least two members hitting the first ball and second ball.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first ball position on the course is substantially identical to the determined hitting point.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the hitting point is determined to be an average position of an initial position of the first ball and an initial position of the at least second ball, and further comprising positioning the first ball based on the location of the hitting point.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising positioning a third ball based on the location of the positioned second ball.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the hitting of the first and second ball occurs substantially at substantially the same time.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising starting a launch window during the swinging motion of a first team member hitting the first ball, ending the launch window between the time of hitting the first ball and the first ball coming to a stop, wherein the hitting of the at least second ball by a second team member occurs during the launch window.
 18. A method for providing constraints in a scramble golf game played by a plurality of teams, each team having a plurality of members, played on a golf course composed of a plurality of holes with a teebox, a fairway, and a cup, comprising: a first member and at least a second member each launching a ball from teebox towards a hole; wherein the launching a ball by the first and at least second member includes: the first team member starting a hitting motion and launching a first ball by striking with a golf club; starting a temporal launch window; at least a second team member starting a hitting motion and launching a second ball by striking with a golf club before the end of the launch window; and ending the launch window; if a ball of a team member has not gone into the cup: selecting from the first ball and at least second ball a ball closest to the cup; designating the selected ball as the hitting point for a subsequent stroke; positioning at least one ball not selected based on the location of the hitting point; and launching the first ball and at least second ball by the first and at least second member.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the position of the first and at least second ball is spaced evenly within the teebox; positioning of the at least one ball not selected is preferably different depending if the hitting point is in the fairway or a green. 